From Cold War allies to regional rivals: the complex evolution of U.S.-Turkey relations

Science · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a cornerstone of Western containment strategy, the U.S.-Turkey relationship has morphed into a volatile, uneven partnership. While both nations remain NATO allies, deep-seated friction over Middle Eastern security, Kurdish militant groups, and Turkey’s pursuit of strategic autonomy has replaced the mutual reliance that defined their Cold War era.

Diplomatic ties between the United States and Turkey were formally established in 1927, but the relationship truly solidified after World War II. As a charter member of the United Nations and a NATO member since 1952, Turkey served as a vital eastern anchor for the Western alliance. During the Cold War, this partnership was built on a mutuality of benefits, with the U.S. providing military and economic aid to integrate Turkey into the Western system. Turkey’s strategic importance was underscored by its control of the Turkish Straits and its hosting of critical infrastructure, including the Incirlik Air Base, which remains a focal point for U.S. operations in the region.

The post-Cold War era introduced significant divergence. While the two nations aligned on counterterrorism efforts following the September 11 attacks, their goals frequently clashed regarding Iraq and Syria. Tensions escalated sharply in the 2010s, fueled by the U.S. decision to arm the People's Protection Units (YPG)—a group Turkey views as an extension of the PKK—and the 2016 failed coup attempt, which many in Turkey blamed on American influence. These fractures were compounded by Turkey’s increasingly independent geopolitical stance, leading to U.S. sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and Turkey’s subsequent exclusion from certain NATO procurement programs.

Today, the relationship is defined by a shift toward a multipolar international system. Turkey has prioritized strategic autonomy, seeking to avoid being sidelined by Western interests while pursuing its own national security objectives. This has resulted in a complex dynamic where Turkey remains a critical NATO partner while simultaneously challenging U.S. policy in areas like Syria and Iran. As the U.S. Congressional Research Service has noted, policymakers must now adjust their expectations, recognizing that Turkey’s regional interests do not always align with those of the United States. The era of unquestioned strategic cooperation has clearly given way to a more unpredictable, friction-filled reality.

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